This general information is for all people having hip or knee replacement surgery in Fraser Health.
You can find hospital-specific information below, under the links for each hospital.
The average length of stay in the hospital after a hip or knee replacement is between eight hours and two days. It is important to be mentally and physically prepared before you come into the hospital. If you feel that you may need additional help after surgery, refer to the Home Health Service Line for information. If you are not eligible for Home Health services, you can explore resources in the community through BC211 or check your hospital link below for resources in your community.
Before surgery
When your surgery is booked, you will be contacted by the Pre-Admission Clinic (or you will be asked to call) to arrange for your equipment needs and to book a consult (usually via phone) to review information to help you prepare for your surgery.
These are some resources that will help you prepare for your surgery:
- Before, During and After Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery - A Patient's Guide (available in English, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese - Traditional, Farsi and Punjabi)
- Exercise Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery (available in English, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese - Traditional, Farsi and Punjabi)
- Exercise Guide for Knee Replacement Surgery (available in English, Chinese - Simplified, Chinese - Traditional, Farsi and Punjabi)
- The Arthritis Society – Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
After surgery
As soon as you are home from the hospital, call Fraser Health Rehabilitation at 604-587-4621 to book your outpatient physiotherapy appointment.
Please call between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and have your care card or personal health number available.
Wait times for hospital physiotherapy vary. If you have access to private physiotherapy, please follow up with a private physiotherapist.
Hip and knee arthroplasty: Hospital-specific information
A lot of the information about hip and knee replacement in Fraser Health is the same, but the hospital where you are having your surgery may have some specific resources and information. Click on the links below for this information.